Ngo-stradamus Predicts UFC 88

The world knows Nostradamus as the man that predicted many major world events. His prophecies are undeniable and have created quite the cult following. Well 5thRounders, Ngo-stradamus will look to do the same thing, but in the context of the MMA world. Going 2-3 at UFC 87 was the first sub-.500 performance in quite some time, however, the great Ngo-stradamus is still 22-8 over the last six UFC events. Read how the all-mighty Ngo-stradamus looks to bounce back at UFC 88.

Martin Kampmann (+115) vs. Nate Marquardt (-145)

Kampmann has won his last nine fights, with the last four coming in the UFC. His last outing at UFC 85 was rather impressive, in which he submitted MMA veteran Jorge Rivera in the 1stRound. He has admitted that his surgically repaired knee will never be what it was, but it certainly looks stable enough to support him as he continues to climb the middleweight ladder.

Kampmann will be facing a very upset opponent in Marquardt. After dominating Thales Leites in their UFC 85 bout, Marquardt wound up losing a split decision because of the two point dedcustions that he was assessed. Marquardt was clearly the better fighter that night, however having two points taken away, in which only one was justified, cost him dearly, not just in the result of the fight, but in his positioning for another shot at the title.

This will be a very close and competitive fight, with both fighters risking a possible shot at UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Marquadt is a slight favorite, but this will be the only upset that the mighty Ngo-stradamus foresees.

Ngo-stradamus predicts: Kampmann via 3rdRound TKO

Yoshiyuki Yoshida (+190) vs. Karo Parisyan (-240)

Yoshida will be making only his second appearance in the Octagon cages. He was victorious in his debut for the company at UFC 84 against Jon Koppenhaver. Although the Japanese fighter is highly skilled in the art of Judo and has an impressive 10-2 record, he has not seen an opponenet with the skill level of the man that will be standing across the cage from him on Saturday.

Parisyan is an angry fighter. He is still bitter from the title shot that got away from him just a few years back because he was recovering from a knee and back injury. In addition to that, he lost his last bout to top contender Thiago Alves on a controversial stoppage.

Parisyan has reached out to MMA guru Greg Jackson to assist him with his MMA career. With the tutilage of Jackson, and Parisyan’s superior all-around MMA game, Yoshida may find himself on the wrong side of this one-sided affair.

Ngo-stradamus predicts: Parisyan via 2ndRound TKO

Rousimar Palhares (+180) vs. Dan Henderson (-240)

The young Palhares looked sharp in his UFC debut against veteran Ivan Salavarry at UFC 84. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specialist has won all eight of his bouts via submission, so we know what his game plan agianst Henderson will be.

The only problem with that is he will have to get within Henderson’s rage in order to shoot. With a less than stellar stand up game, it may be tough for the youngster to shorten the distance. Also, Henderson comes from a very solid wrestling background, so even if the fight goes to the mat, it is unlikely that Palhares will be able to catch the veteran in a compromising position.

Ngo-stradamus predicts: Henderson via Unanimous Decision

Matt Hamill (+210) vs. Rich Franklin (-270)

Hard to believe that just two years ago Franklin was sitting atop the 185-pound division without a legitimite competitor in sight. After two devastating and dominating losses to the current champion, Anderson Silva, Franklin has looked solid against the lower level fighters in the division. After a four year hiatus, he will be making his return to the light heavyweight division to see if he can resurect his career.

Hamill’s exceptional wrestling skills have been well documented, however since he concluded his season of “The Ultimate Fighter Season 3,” his stand up game has improved drastically. His punches have looked sharp and powerful, and his engine can go on for days.

I would not be surprised if Hamill was able to pull off the upset against Franklin who is past his prime. And, if he did it would come via decision. However, Franklin is a more skilled MMA fighter and should have enough in his tank to get past the green Hamill. Ngo-stradamus has a funny feeling about this one…

Ngo-stradamus predicts: Franklin via 3rdRound TKO

Rashad Evans (+215) vs. Chuck Liddell (-275)

Evans will be entering the biggest fight of his career on Saturday, but it will just be another fight for the seasoned Liddell. He has seen this big stage many times before, and knows that the clock for regaining his title is ticking. The division is getting deeper and younger, and a loss here would certainly have the Iceman searching for answers.

One of the things that he will have going for him is that he has fought Evans before, well sort of. This is not the first “wrestler” that has tried to challenge Liddell. They’ve all come in with the similar strategy to try and take Chuck down to diminish his punching power. Solid theory, but it has never worked against Liddell.

What many fail to remember is that Liddell too was once a college wrestler, and has used that skill set as a solid defense, not offense. Liddell is one of the hardest men to take down, that is if you can even get close enough to shoot.

Evans will have to be at his best to compete against Liddell, however he does have the benefit of having coach Greg Jackson in his corner. Jackson coaches and trains Keith Jardine, who pulled off a massive upset against Liddell at UFC 76. Jackson’s notorious for coming up with effective game plans, so Evans is hoping he has another one up his sleeve.

Ngo-stradamus predicts: Liddell via 2ndRound TKO

And those are Ngo-stradamus’ calls for UFC 88. Make sure to order the Pay-Per-View to see how well the all-mighty one does. If you are unable to order the fight, no worries because 5thRound.com will be posting LIVE Round-by-Round coverage and results.